Thousands gathered at Bondi Beach to honour the 15 people killed in last Sunday’s antisemitic terror attack, standing in silence one week to the minute after the shooting began during a Hanukkah celebration.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies vigil, held on the final night of Hanukkah and the national day of reflection, drew up to 20,000 people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed and heckled when introduced and did not speak, while NSW Premier Chris Minns and local MP Kellie Sloane received standing ovations, with Sloane praised as a “hero” for helping victims during the attack.
Board president David Ossip renewed calls for a Commonwealth royal commission, saying the community had warned for years about escalating antisemitism.
He also paid tribute to Ahmed Al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen, sharing his message: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters.”
Premier Minns said the attack revealed a “deep vein of antisemitic hate” and apologised for the failure to protect the community.
“To excuse it as an aberration or a tragic single event is wrong,” he said.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn pledged solidarity with Jewish Australians, saying, “We must never let this happen again.”
Jewish leaders vowed to continue practising their faith openly, with Alex Ryvchin declaring, “I will not hide who I am – an Australian and a Jew.”
Candles were lit along the beach, a column of light was projected into the sky, and the Sydney Opera House was illuminated in tribute as the vigil concluded the national day of reflection.
Source: ABC.
